Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 | NikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | July 2021 | March 2026 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 28 mm | 70–200 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Nine elements in eight groups | 18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Two aspherical elements | One ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element |
| Coatings | – | Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating |
| Aperture detail | f/2.8 maximum; f/16 minimum | f/2.8–22 throughout zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Seven rounded blades | 11 blades with rounded aperture |
| Angle of view | FX 75°; DX 53° | FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8° |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Nikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 42 mm lens on full frame | Native Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras |
| Teleconverter support | – | Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0× |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.19 m | 0.38 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.2× | 0.3× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Nikon multi-focusing autofocus system, designed for quiet operation and close-range accuracy | Silky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing; minimum 0.19 m measured from focal plane | Distances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm |
| Magnification detail | Maximum reproduction ratio 0.2× | Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical VR; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBIS | Maker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera |
| Video features | Nikon describes quiet operation, reduced focus breathing and stable exposure for video | – |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 52 mm | 77 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Length | 43 mm | 208 mm |
| Weight | 155 g (better) | 998 g |
| Controls | One programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the camera | AF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware |
| Zoom design | – | Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance |
| Filter detail | 52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch | – |
| Weather resistance | Nikon states dust- and drip-resistant design, but does not guarantee resistance in all situations or conditions | Dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation |
| Dimensions detail | Standard approximately 70 × 43 mm; SE approximately 71.5 × 43 mm, measured from lens mount flange | Approximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Standard approximately 155 g; SE approximately 160 g | Approximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it |
| Tripod mount | – | Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included. |
| Lens hood | Not included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hood | HB-119 with filter-adjustment window |
| In the box | LC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or case | LC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover |
| Release detail | Nikon USA specifies late July 2021 availability of the SE lens in a Zfc kit, with separate SE sales planned for autumn. The modern standard exterior followed in December 2021. These cosmetic finishes share the same optical specification and are configurations here | US maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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